I want to thank New Growth Press for providing me with a copy of PROOF Pirates in return for my honest opinion.

PROOF Pirates (New Growth Press, 2015) is a wonderful, simple storybook that addresses God’s grace. At the end of the charming story of Jesse, there are 7 family devotions to help explain seven aspects of God’s grace.

The story opens as Jesse, a little-boy-turned-pirate, disobeys his parents by playing in the living room. He destroys the grandfather clock with a sweep of his sword and is sent to his bed early, where he despairs of being anything but a scallywag in real life. The next morning, Jesse’s parents have arranged a treasure hunt for him. Throughout the day, Jesse is led to clues. Each clue reveals a new aspect of God’s amazing grace.

The seven devotionals at the end of the book help families further enforce the lessons of God’s grace with a verse, an activity, a Scripture reading, a discussion, and a prayer. The aspects of God’s grace covered are:

God’s amazing love (Romans 5:8)

Planned grace (Ephesians 1:4-5a)

Resurrecting grace (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Outrageous grace (Ephesians 1:7-8a)

Overcoming grace (John 10:27)

Forever grace (Ephesians 1:13b-14a)

Grace for life (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The book is charming, and I appreciate the love and care of the parents, as well as the dawning understanding of young Jesse, as he comes to understand God’s love for him. The illustrations by Tessa Janes are also charming, matching the tone of the text. The devotions are well thought through, and should help teach and enforce important biblical truths. With all the emphasis on man-focused works we see in children’s books, this book about God’s free gift of grace is a breath of fresh air.

Welcome to Thinking Kids!

My name is Danika Cooley, and I’m glad you’re here. This site exists to help equip you to teach your kids the Bible and Christian history. I’m an author, a homeschool mom, and a curriculum developer. Pull up a chair and stay awhile.